Friday Mailbag - 11/27/20

CONSUME ~ Black Friday Edition ~ CONSUME

Welcome to the Black Friday Mailbag. I trust you’re reading this from a neverending line at Best Buy. So go ahead, buy the new Playstation. Buy the new XBOX. The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure? Ideal love, a new purchase. A market of the senses.

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20 in 20 EPISODE SEVEN is LIVE!

20 in 20 almost didn’t happen this week, but I was able to sneak in a recording sesh during my kids’ nap. If I sound a little less exuberant/a lot more measured, that’s probably why. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout. Here’s what I talk about:

REMINDER! Diego came through the N.E.H. H.Q. to tell us about his favorite shirt. If you haven’t read that yet, check it out here. I also reviewed albums by Radiohead, Whitney Houston, and Imagine Dragons. To read that story, go here. Finally, for all your holiday shopping needs, my friend Landon compiled a list of small businesses in the area that are worthy of your attention. Access that here.

AND NOW TO THE MAILBAG…

Loyal N.E.H. reader, Pat (no relation), asks:

Now that you’re older, wiser, and into independent garments, where do you draw the line – if you do – with bigger “fast fashion” companies? And do you apply this to your kids?

Outstanding question, especially on Black Friday. I don’t buy fast fashion anymore. I think I bought one fleece at Uniqlo last year, and that was it. I’d rather spend more money on a garment that was manufactured with some care for the employees and environment. Here’s a list of brands to avoid:

Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, Gap, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Free People, Urban Outfitters, etc..

Shopping for kids’ clothes should be no different. My wife buys the majority of our kids’ clothing from Wild Coconut Wear and Twinkie Tush. Both are small businesses that make clothes right here in the US. We’re fortunate to be in a position to afford it. Kids cycle through clothing so fast. I understand why Carter’s and Cat & Jack continue to flourish. We’ll continue to spend our money elsewhere as long as we’re able.

One last thing: Buy used. Most of our Hanna and Boden and ‘gonia garms are used. For adult stuff, check Grailed, Depop, Etsy, and Poshmark. You know the drill.

Loyal N.E.H. reader, Jonathan, asks:

Favorite Sesame Street character? Least favorite?

Favorite: Big Bird. Least favorite: Baby Bear

Got a question? Feel free to comment on this post or e-mail me at newexperimentalhours@gmail.com. Thanks!

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In the spirit of giving thanks, I should add that I’m thankful to all of you for reading this newsletter. For real. Thank you! See you next week.